MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama left-handed pitcher Locke St. John was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 32nd round of the 2014 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Saturday.
St. John went 970th overall. He was one of 22 pitchers Detroit chose among its 40 selections. The three-day draft concluded Saturday with rounds 11 through 40.
Junior Season
A junior from Pell City, Ala., St. John went 6-3 with a 3.24 ERA in 15 starts for the Jaguars this season. He struck out 52 batters and walked 29 over 97 1/3 innings.
St. John threw one complete game and combined on a shutout during the season.
His six wins tied for sixth in the Sun Belt Conference. He ranked seventh in the league in ERA, and his innings total was fifth-most in the conference.
Second Straight Year for a Jaguar Lefty
St. John’s selection marks the second consecutive year a South Alabama left-hander has been drafted. Kyle Bartsch was picked in the seventh round of the 2013 draft.
Decision Ahead
St. John said he was humbled by the selection and that he and his family have a decision to consider.
“I know this would not be possible without the great teammates and coaches I have at South Alabama,” St. John said.
As a junior, St. John has one season of college eligibility remaining should he return to the Jaguars in 2015.
South Alabama competes in the Sun Belt Conference and plays its home games at Eddie Stanky Field on the university’s Mobile campus.
Update: St. John Signs With Detroit
St. John has signed with the Detroit Tigers, according to reports, ending his college career after one season at South Alabama.
Before joining the Jaguars, St. John pitched at Southern Union Community College in Wadley, Ala. As a freshman there, he went 8-8 with a 3.93 ERA, 88 strikeouts and two complete games in 100 1/3 innings. He pitched 8 1/3 innings as a sophomore, striking out eight and walking three with a 3.24 ERA.
